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Alex Church of Transportation Insurance Brokers
The Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) returned to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood on Tuesday, September 19, for a lunchtime membership meeting. With more than 25 members and guests, the meeting offered a healthy mix of veteran and new operators. The event featured guest speakers representing the financial, transportation, and insurance markets, and was attended by CD Editor Rob Smentek.
L to R: Treasurer Michael Greene of A Platinum Plus Limousine, President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines, Bryan Johnson of Martens Johnson/Hilb Group, and Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady
MLA Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines kicked off the meeting by thanking everyone for attending and continually supporting the industry. After the attendees introduced themselves, Joseph welcomed the first speaker, Vendor Member German Ruiz of Madison Capital. Ruiz provided an overview of the economy, with a particular focus on the increasing lending rates. While inflation is down from last year, new car rates are just over 6 percent, while used car loans are at a staggering 11 percent rate. Ruiz also discussed Section 170 Tax Deduction Write-Offs and fielded financial questions from the group.
German Ruiz of Madison Capital
The MLA then welcomed June Akinnagbe of Rapid Response Clinic, a firm that performs DOT physicals and drug testing. After Akinnagbe provided a summary of the clinic’s services, MLA Member Reggie Tymus of Capital City Limousine gave props to the company for their quick turnaround with a recent employee testing.
June Akinnagbe of Rapid Response Clinic
Holly McCulloh of Martens Johnson/Hilb Group
Next, insurance matters took the stage as Bryan Johnson and Holly McCulloh of Martens Johnson/Hilb Group Insurance were joined by Alex Church of Transportation Insurance Brokers for a snapshot of the current insurance space. Regarding consistently rising insurance costs, McCulloh said that the number of claims across the board has caused prices to go up. Church pointed out that there aren’t as many insurer options as many companies have gotten out of the commercial market since COVID. He also advised operators to utilize camera systems—inexpensive and easy-to-use ones are available on Amazon—to combat illegitimate claims. Church also strongly recommended that operators keep up on their Worker’s Comp insurance, as claims can cripple a business financially.
Japneet Singh of Executive CLS
Once again, the afternoon’s hot-button topic dealt with the ongoing frustrations with point-to-point trips within Washington, D.C., city limits. According to Japneet Singh of Executive CLS, operators of all sizes are finding themselves pulled over to have their manifests and licenses checked, often with passengers in the vehicles. Joseph has drafted a letter for operators to sign and send, urging consistency in the pullover protocols. To help combat illegal operators that are poaching passengers at the airport, Joseph has scheduled a Zoom meeting with a representative of the Maryland Public Service Commission on September 26. This conversation has been in the works for over a year, and it is hoped that they will follow up with an in-person meeting in the coming months.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, at a location to be determined.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[09.25.23]
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Can you believe we’re just over a month away from the CD/NLA Show in Orlando? We’re super excited to be returning to the all-under-one-roof Gaylord Palms from October 22-25. If you haven’t booked your room, now’s the time. Our room block is well on the way to selling out, so don’t miss your chance to secure your accommodations at our incredible $249/night rate—which includes resort fees! To start your stay, simply click here.
Suzanne Neufang of GBTA
As we’ve detailed in the past few weeks, education is the heart of the CD/NLA Show. But in addition to our classroom-style sessions and interactive roundtables, we’re excited to offer attendees the opportunity to get a candid insight into our industry as well as vertical markets. Join us on Monday, October 23, at 12:30 p.m. for the State of the Industry, sponsored by Driving Transactions. Always one of our most-attended events—and usually standing-room-only—the State of the Industry provides a unique snapshot of the luxury ground transportation world.
Dr. Sean Snaith of the Institute for Economic Forecasting
This year, we’re thrilled to welcome two incredibly talented professionals, Dr. Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Forecasting at the University of Central Florida’s College of Business, and Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association, one of the largest and most-respected organizations for the international corporate travel industry.
“I’m really excited about the direction we are going with our State of the Industry this year. We wanted to try something different this fall, and I’m elated that we did. I can’t wait to hear what these two powerhouses have to share with us,” says CD President Chris Weiss.
Quoted by virtually every renowned media outlet in the country, Snaith is a sought-after speaker known for his engaging and humorous presentations. He has built a national reputation for his unique ability to explain complex subject matter in a digestible manner. You can bet that he will answer your questions about the current economic forecast and how it relates to your operators. Meanwhile, as a transformation-focused executive, Neufang has led the travel industry through times of great change, holding high profile leadership roles for the past 20 years. Expect her to draw on her years of experience as an expert to offer her perspective into our industry’s important role in the corporate travel marketplace. We’re thrilled to present the opportunity for you to hear these two influential voices and learn from their knowledge.
And don’t forget, October is spooky season, so on Monday night, we serve up a scary good celebration with our Halloween Costume Party sponsored by ANB Trans, Centennial Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and Crown Worldwide Transportation. Dust off your creativity, tap into your inner ghoul, and conjure up your best looks for a heart-pounding evening of spooks and thrills. We’ll be making spirits fright with our bewitching drinks and devilishly delectable fare while you dance the night away to our spook-tacularly captivating DJ’ed music. Mingle with your fellow attendees, snap a few photos in our photo booth, and forge relationships that will endure long after the masks come off.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[09.20.23]
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Elegant Luxury Limo, based in Floral Park, N.Y., has announced that it has beefed up their marketing team. The largely corporate company was founded in 1998.
The multipronged approach, according to a release from the company, includes a newly revamped website with greater booking capabilities, quick quoting, a regular blog, and plenty of photos and videos of their happy clients and diverse fleet. The Elegant marketing team has also boosted its social media presence.
According to the press release: “Our new marketing team is like a dream team of experts who really know their stuff. They're the wizards behind the curtain, working their magic to make us even more awesome. With their help, we're going to turn heads and make even more people say, ‘I want to ride with Elegant Limo Service NYC!’”
"We're excited to have our new team members on board. We've always put our clients first, and this is just another way we're showing our commitment to [them]. With this great marketing team, we'll make sure [they] have the best experience possible," Marketing Manager M. Faizan added.
Visit elegantlimoservicenyc.com for more information.
[09.19.23]